Preset system for electronic organs

ABSTRACT

The invention concerns a system for cutting out the selected voices in electronic organs, while automatically cutting in anyone of a plurality of preselected voice combinations. An electronic system utilizing flip-flop circuits controls the energization of lamps which are operable to illuminate photocells, some of which are in series with the preselected voicing combinations and others of which are in series with the conventional selector tabs for the voicing circuits and still others are disposed between the conventional selector tabs and ground. By controlling the illumination of the photocells, the voicing circuits to which they are connected can be made selectively effective and ineffective.

United States Patent [72] lnventors John William Robinson;

Billy Joe Whittington, both of Jasper, Ind. [21] Appl. No. 793,308 [22] Filed Jan. 23, 1969 [45] Patented June 29, 1971 [.73] Assignee Jasper Electronic Mfg. Cor.

Jasper, lnd.

[54] PRESET SYSTEM FOR ELECTRONIC ORGANS 16 Claims, 12 Drawing Figs.

[52] 11.8. C1 84/l.l7, 84/1.18 [51] lnt.Cl GlOh 3.06 [50] Field of Search 84/1.01, l.l7,DIG.l9,l.l,l.ll,l.25,l.l9,l.l8,1.27, 1.03; 309/223 [56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 3,045,522 7/1962 Markowitz et a1. 84/1.27

lZa H Primary ExaminerD. F. Duggan Att0rney Melvin A. Crosby ABSTRACT: The invention concerns a system for cutting out the selected voices in electronic organs, while automatically cutting in anyone of a plurality of preselected voice combinations. An electronic system utilizing flip-flop circuits controls the energization of lamps which are operable to illuminate photocells, some of which are in series with the preselected voicing combinations and others of which are in series with the conventional selector tabs for the voicing circuits and still others are disposed between the conventional selector tabs and ground. By controlling the illumination of the photocells, the voicing circuits to which they are connected can be made selectively effective and ineffective.

e 3/ 5 /9 r F g-wril BY BILLY Jo: Wummerou SHEET 1 [IF 4 #:Qi. mz

PATENIED JUN2919?! PATENTED JUN29 l97| SHEET 2 OF 4 INVENTORS 1 Joan W. Romusow BY Bun Jo: Wmrrmerou wwb PATENTEBJUNZQIBTI 8590.132

SHEET 3 [IF 4 I ooHoHHU DHDHUHD HDDHHHD UUUDUU FIG-5F PRESETfi PRESET#2 2 NORMAL 54 PRESET#3 53 XIXIE;

EXIXI-A INVENTORS Jouu W. Roamsou BY BILLY Jo: Wmrrmemu PRESET SYSTEM FOR ELECTRONIC ORGANS This invention relates to electronic organs and is particularly concerned with a novel circuit arrangement for obtaining predetermined or, preset, combinations of voices at the will of the player.

Organs are known, particularly pipe organs, in which tabs are provided which are referred to as preset tabs, which, upon being actuated, eliminate the effect of the organ voices which are set by the conventional tabs and, instead, bring in a set of voices peculiar to the respective preset tab which is actuated.

The present invention is particularly concerned with the provision of an arrangement for obtaining preset effects in an electronic organ.

With the foregoing in mind, a primary object of the present invention is the provision of preset circuitry in an electronic organ and a selector switch arrangement for selecting the preset circuits at will.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of a preset arrangement for electronic organs in which any effect which is preset at the time the organ is being played will automatically be eliminated when the organ is turned on after being turned off.

A particular object of the present invention is the provision of an arrangement for obtaining preset efi'ects in an electronic organ in a particularly simple and effective and inexpensive manner. v

Another object of the present invention is the provision of a circuit arrangement in an electronic organ for obtaining preset combinations wherein special voicing circuits or the conventional voicing circuits in the organ can be employed for obtaining the combinations of voices that are preset by the selector switch arrangement.

Another particular object of the present invention is the provision of preset circuitry arrangement in an electronic organ whereby, by the momentary actuation of individual ones of a single set of switches, special combinations of voices can be simultaneously selected for both of .the manual keyboards and for the pedal clavier at the same time.

A still further object of the present invention is the provision of preset circuitry for an electronic organ in which the minimum amount of modification of conventional organ circuitry is required and wherein the preset circuitry, when ineffective, has absolutely no influence on the normal playing of the organ.

An object of the present invention is the provision of a circuit arrangement of the nature described in which more than one of the set of selector switches can be depressed at one time without any harm to the circuitry.

Still another object of the present invention is the provision of an arrangement whereby, when the organ is first turned on after having been turned off, the preset circuitarrangement is automatically adjusted for normal playing of the organ.

The foregoing objects, as well as other objects and advantages, of the present invention become more apparent upon reference to the following detailed specification taken in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a schematic simplified view showing an organ circuit according to the present invention;

FIG. 2 shows a portion of an organ circuit representing, for example, a pair of voicing circuits and their respective control tabs together with connections that are made from the voicing circuits to the preset circuits;

FIG. 3 is a view showing a portion of the circuit of FIG. I and indicating how several different voices selected from the voicing circuits of the organ are combined in a combining circuit to provide a single complex signal to a preamplifier;

FIG. 4 is a somewhat more detailed view of a portion of the circuit of FIG. 1 and illustrating how the control elements which can be made effective for cutting the preset voicing combinations in and out are connected in the circuit;

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5!) are schematic views showing the manner in which control elements of the nature illustrated in FIG. 4 are arranged in groups for being selectively illuminated;

FIG. 55 is a schedule of the energization of the lamps in the circuit;

FIG. 5F is a schedule of the operation of the transistors in the circuit;

FIG. 6 is a schematic representation of the control circuit pertaining to the preset arrangement of the present invention; and

FIG. 7 is a schematic view showing a typical selector switch for selecting the preset combinations of voices and one manner in which it could be illuminated, if desired, to indicate when the circuit pertaining thereto was effective.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention concerns the provision in an electronic organ of a circuit arrangement for automatically setecting predetermined groups of the organ voices while simultaneously cutting out the voices selected by the regular organ tabs and for again restoring the organ to the condition for which the regular tabs are set.

In an electronic organ of the nature with which the present invention is concerned, voicing circuits are provided with each thereof being operable to modify signals from the organ tone generator to cause the signal to produce a certain type of sound. For example, the sounds of flutes, clarinets, trumpets, violins and other instruments can be simulated by voicing circuits of a suitable nature, as well as other sounds well known in organs, such as are produced by conventional diapason and bourdon tabs and the like.

In the conventional electronic organ the sound produced is determined by the particular tabs or stops that are actuated. Such tabs or stops are in the fonn of switches which make the respective voicing circuits pertaining thereto effective when the switches are closed or ineffective when the switches are open. A number of the tabs are provided for each of the two manuals of the organ and there is a further set of tabs provided for the pedal clavier of the organ.

The present invention is particularly concerned with an arrangement whereby the organ player can press any one of a group of switches and, in response to the pressing of the said switch, the organ voices which have been selected by the regular organ tabs are cut out and, instead, a preselected group of voices for each of the two manuals and for the pedal clavier are automatically cut in.

The present invention proposes to cut out the voices selected by the conventional tabs by the use of photocells and also to cut in the preselected groups of voices by other photocells. The photocells are illuminated to make them conductive and when dark are nonconductive. Lamps for illuminating the photocells are controlled by the circuit of the present invention.

In addition to a group of preset switches which are singly actuated, and each of which brings in a different combination of preselected voices, a further switch is provided which makes all of the other preset selector switches ineffective and returns the organ to the control of the conventional tabs.

The preset switches are in the form of buttons which can readily be pressed by the organ player when playing the organ and which may become illuminated, if desired, when effective so that the player can readily determine the playing condition of the organ at any time.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION Referring to the drawings somewhat more in detail, FIG. 1 is a schematic and simplified representation of an organ circuit. In FIG. I the tone generator means, and including frequency dividers, that are conventionally employed in electronic organs is indicated at 10. The outputs from the tone generators and frequency dividers are supplied to the organ speakers through amplifiers and preamplifiers and voicing circuits and the switches under the'control of the keys of the two manuals of the'organ and the pedals of the pedal clavier.

Inasmuch as this basic circuitry is well known, the representation of the organ circuit of FIG. 1 has been reduced to its basic elements. For example, the tone generators at 10 supply a group of voicing circuits, generally in the form of printed circuit cards, and eachof which has a particular combination of circuitcomponents arranged in circuits thereon to modify the supplied signal to produce a wave form which certain type of sound.

The voice cards, or circuits, for the solo manual, the accompaniment manual and'the pedal clavier are designated at 12, 30, and 50, respectively. While only a single voicing circuit is represented for each manual and the pedal clavier, in FIG. 1, it will be understood that there could be from l to 20 such voicing circuits for each manual and the pedal clavier which receive'signals from the keyboard of the respective manual or pedal clavier and modify the signals to produce a certain type of sound.

As mentioned, the circuit shown is in schematic form, and does not show the several refinements that characterize modern electronic organs. For example, the flute voices are treated as a family, and all are usually routed to the tremulant speaker whether they originate from the accompaniment or solo manual. This, and similar, circuit refinements are not shown in FIG. 1 for the sake of simplicity.

Each voicing circuit has a control switch in the form of a tab switch which, when closed, makes the respective voicing circuit effective for transmitting signals and, when open makes the respective voicing circuit ineffective. As rrlany voicing circuits willbe effective as there are tab switches closed. In FIG. I, switches 14 control circuits 12, switches 32 control circuits 30, and switches 52 control circuits 50.

In FIG. 1, the voicing circuits 12 of the solo manual which are supplied by the keyboard U of the upper, or solo, manual, supply a preamplifier l6. Preamplifier 16 supplies a switch blade 18 and a main amplifier 20 which supplies a main speaker 22. When switch blade 18 is in its FIG. 1 position the signal from preamplifier 16 is supplied only to the main amplifier 20 and from there passes to the main speaker 22. When switch 18 is moved to its lower position from the position in which it is shown in FIG. I, a second blade 19 connected to blade 18 to move therewith also moves to its lower position and the signal from the preamplifier 16 is supplied to main amwill result in a plifier 20 and also to a preamplifier 24, the output of which is supplied to another main amplifier 26 and then to a tremulant speaker 28.

The arrangement referred to pertains to the upper manual. The lower, or accompaniment, manual also has a plurality of voicing circuits 30 supplied through the keyboard L of the lower manual from the tone generator means at with each of the voicing circuits 30 being effective when the respective tab switch 32 is closed and being ineffective when the respective tab switch is open. The output from the effective ones of voicing circuits 30 pass through their respective closed switches 32 to the input side of the preamplifier 24 and also to switch blade 19. When blade 19 is in its FIG. 1 position, the signal from circuits 30 is delivered to preamplifier 24 while also flowing to ground via a resistor 31. When blade 19 of the switch is in its lower position the output of circuits 30 is supplied to both preamplifier 24 and to main amplifier 20.

Other speaker switching circuits can be employed and the one shown is only exemplary.

The pedal clavier also supplies signals from the pedal switches P to a plurality of voicing circuits 50, each of which has a tab or control switch 52 which, when closed, makes the pertaining voicing circuit effective for supplying a signal to the input of a preamplifier 54, the output of which is supplied to the input of a third main amplifier 56, the output of which, in turn, is supplied to a third main speaker means 58.

Various difierent circuit arrangements are possible, such as connecting certain voicing circuits of one manual to the output system of the other manual. For example, voicing circuits 12a of FIG. 1 having tab switches 14a are connected to supply their signals to preamplifier 24. A normally conductive circuit component 71 is interposed between switches 14a and preamplifier 24. Other coupling can also be employed.

It will be evident that the foregoing circuitry has been extremely simplified, but nevertheless represents the fundamental circuitry of an electronic organ.

The present invention embodiesthe provision of a branch circuit 60 extending from certain ones of the voicing circuits 12 of the solo manual through a combining circuit 61 and a circuit component 62 to the input of preamplifier 16. A further circuit component 64 is interposed between tab switches 14 and the input of preamplifier 16. Combining circuit 61 can also be connected to certain ones of the voicing circuits 30 of the accompaniment manual, if desired. This connection is designated 60a.

According to the present invention, component 62 is normally nonconductive, while component 64 is normally conductive. By the provision of circuitry according to the present invention, component 64 can be made nonconductive while simultaneously, component 62 is made conductive and this will kill, or interrupt, the supply of signals from the voicing circuits 1 2 which have their tab switches 14 closed. Branch circuit 60 is connected to receive signals from predetermined ones of voicing circuits 12 and, if desired, circuits 30, so that, when component 62 is made conductive, these particular preselected voicing circuits become effective-for supplying the signal to the input side of preamplifier 16 regardless of the setting of tab switches 14.

Pertaining to the voicing circuits 30 of the lower or accompaniment manual, is a branch circuit 66 leading from selected ones of the voicing circuits 30 through a combining circuit 67 and a normally nonconductive circuit component 68 to the input side of preamplifier 24. A further and normally conductive component 70 is interposed between the tab switches 32 and the input side of preamplifier 24. As in the case of the upper manual, components 68 and 70 are simultaneously switched between conductive and nonconductive conditions.

As in connection with combining circuit 61, circuit 67 can be connected, as at 69, to certain ones of the voicing circuits 12 of the solo manual to provide for the desired grouping of the selected voices.

Pertaining to the voicing circuitry arrangement for the pedal clavier are two branch circuits 72 and.74 leading from selected ones of the voicing circuits 50 through respective combining circuits 73 and 75 to the input side of preamplifier 54. Normally nonconductive components 76 and 78 are contained in the branches 72 and 74 respectively, while a further and normally conductive component 80 is interposed between tab switches 52 and the input side of preamplifier 54. In this case, whenever either, or both, of components 76 or 78 is made conductive, component 86 is simultaneously made nonconductive.

FIGS. 4 and 6 will show more in detail how the components which can be made selectively conductive and nonconductive are arranged to be controlled. FIG. 4 shows that the component identified at 62 is in the form of two photocells 62a and 62b connected in series. Component 64 is in the form of two photocells 64a and 64b with the first thereof in series between the tab switches and the pertaining preamplifier and the other being connected between the output sides of the tab switches and ground.

Component 68 will be seen to be in the form of the serially connected photocells 68a and 68b whereas component 71 will be seen to comprise a series photocell 71a and a grounding photocell 71b. Component 70 likewise comprises a series photocell 70a and a grounding photocell 70b. Component 76 consists of the serially connected photocells 76a and 76b and component 78 also consists of serially connected photocells 78a and 78b. Finally, component 80 consists of a serially connected photocell 80a and a grounding photocell 80b.

These photocells are arranged in groups of four within housings as shown in FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, and 5D. For convenience, the housings are designated H1, H2, H3, and H4, respectively, and it will be seen that each housing is in the form of a light excluding enclosure with an incandescent lamp mounted in about the middle and with four photocells grouped around the lamp so as to be equally illuminated thereby when the lamp is energized and so as to go dark when the lamp is deenergized.

in housing 111 there are located the photocells 64a, 70a, 71a, and 80a and the lamp L1. 1n the housing H2 there is provided the incandescent lamp L2 operable for illuminating photocells 64b, 70b, 71b, and 80b. in housing H3 the incandescent lamp L3 is adapted for illuminating photocells 62a, 62b, 76a, and 76b. Finally, in housing H4 incandescent lamp L4 is adapted for illuminating photocells 68a, 68b, 78a, and 78b.

For a purpose which will become more apparent hereinafter, the lamps L1,,L2, L3, and L4 are adapted for being illuminated or dark according to the schedule shown in FIG. 5E. FIG. 5B shows four columns, each pertaining to a different condition, with the first column being the normal playing condition of the organ and with each of the three columns to the right thereof representing a different preset condition of the organ. It will be noted that in normal playing, lamp L1 is always illuminated and lamp L2 is always dark. In any preset condition of the organ lamp L1 is always dark and lamp L2 is always illuminated. Lamps L3 and L4 which, in the case of the circuit shown herein, control the presets are respectively individually illuminated in the first and second columns to the right of the left-hand column in FIG. 5E and in the final column to the right both of lamps L3 and L4 are illuminated.

The illumination of lamps L1, L2, L3, and L4 is under the control of the circuit shown in H0. 6. In FIG. 6 each of the aforementioned lamps will be seen to be connected on one side through respective resistors R1, R2, R3, and R4 with a wire 104 which is connected to a wire 102 leading through a resistor R38 to a v. source, and through a capacitor C3 to ground.

Each of the lamps L1, L2, L3, and L4 is connected on its other side to the collector of a pertaining transistor Q1, Q2, Q3, and Q4 respectively, the emitter of each of which is grounded. The base of transistor 01 is connected through a resistor R7 with the collector of transistor Q2 while the base of transistor O2 is connected through a resistor R6 to a wire 106 leading to a +20 v. supply. The base of transistor-Q2 is also connected through a resistor R5 with the positive side of a diode D1, the negative side of which is connected to the collector of a transistor Q7, the emitter of which isgrounded.

In FIG. 6, the emitters of all of the transistors are grounded and no further reference thereto will be made in the following description.

Transistor Q3 has its base connected by resistor R9 with wire 106 and also by resistor R8 with the positive side of a diode D2, the negative side of which is connected together with the negative side ofdiode D1.

The base of transistor Q4 is also connected with wire 106 by a resistor R11 and with the positive side of a diode D4 through a resistor R10. The negative side of diode D4 is connected to the negative side of diode D3, the positive side of which is connected to the positive side of diode D1. The interconnected negative sides of diodes D3 and D4 are connected by a wire 108 with the collector of a transistor Q19.

Transistor Q7 is grouped together with two other transistors Q5 and Q6 and with transistors Q5, Q6, and Q7 having their collectors connected to wire 102 by resistors R13, R16, and R18, respectively.

The arrangement of transistors Q5, Q6, and O7 is such that whenever Q6 is conductive, Q5 and Q7 are nonconductive and whenever Q5 and Q7 are conductive, O6 is nonconductive.

The base of transistor Q6 is also connected with one end of each of resistors R43 and R44 which are connected to the positive sides of diodes D17 and D18, respectively. The negative side of diode D17 is connected to one terminal of a normally open pushbutton switch marked S1 and is also connected by a wire 112 with the negative side of a diode D16.

The negative side of diode D18 is connected to a wire 114 leading to the negative side of a diode D13 and is furthermore connected to one terminal of a normally open switch marked S3.

The base of transistor OS, on the other hand, is connected through a condenser C1 and resistor R12 with wire 102 and also to one end of each of resistors R45 and R46, the other sides of which are connected to the positive sides of diodes D19 and D20. The negative side of diode D19 is connected by wire 116 to the negative side of a diode D15 and also to one terminal of a normally open pushbutton switch S4. Similarly the negative side of diode D20 is connected by wire 118 to the negative side of diode D14 and also to one terminal of a normally open pushbutton switch S2. The opposite terminals of the normally open pushbutton switches S1, S2, S3, and S4 are connected to a 20 v. source by a wire 120.

The collector of transistor Q6 is connected to the negative sides of a pair of diodes D6 and D10 the positive sides of which are connected by resistors R19 and R27 respectively with the bases of transistors Q8 and Q14 respectively. The collector of transistor Q8 is connected to wire 102 by resistor R21 and is also connected to the collector of a transistor Q9 which has its base connected by a resistor R20 with the positive side of a diode D7, the negative side of which is connected with the collector of a transistor Q17.

The interconnected collectors of transistors Q8 and Q9 are connected by resistor R22 with the base of a transistor Q10, the collector of which is connected to one side of a lamp L5, which pertains to pushbutton S1, the other side of the said lamp being connected by a wire 122 with a 22 v. source. It will be seen that transistor Q10 is nonconductive whenever either of transistors Q8 and Q9 is conductive, Q10 goes conductive only when both of Q8 and Q9 are nonconductive.

When the lamp L5 is energized by Q10 becoming conductive it illuminates pushbutton S1 showing that this pushbutton is effective and, when the pushbutton is not effective, lamp L5 is dark.

A further lamp L6, pertaining to pushbutton S2, has one side connected to wire 122 and its other side connected to the collector of transistor 013. The base of transistor Q13 is connected through resistor R26 with the collectors of transistors Q11 and Q12 which are also connected by resistor R24 with wire 102. The base of transistor Q12 is connected by resistor R25 with the positive side of a diode D9, the negative side of which is connected with the negative side of a diode D11 and also with the collector of a transistor Q18. Whenever either of Q11 and Q12 is conductive, Q13 is nonconductive, while Q13 goes conductive to energize lamp L6 only when both of Q11 and Q12 are nonconductive.

A third lamp L7, pertaining to a pushbutton S3, is connected on one side to wire 122 and on its other side to the collector of a transistor Q16 which has its base connected through resistor R30 with the interconnected collectors of transistors Q14 and Q15 in which collectors are also connected by resistor R29 with wire 102.

The base of transistor Q15 is also connected by resistor R28 with the positive side of diode D11, the negative side of which is connected to the collector of transistor Q18 and to the negative side of diode D9. Q16 becomes conductive to energize lamp L7 only when both ofQ14 and Q15 are nonconductive.

The previously mentioned transistor Q17 has its collector connected to wire 102 by resistor R32 and, as mentioned, also to the negative side of diode D7. The collector of transistor Q17 is also connected by resistor R33 with the base of transistor Q18 and with one end of each of resistors R39 and R40, the other ends of which are connected to the positive sides of diodes D13 and D14, respectively. The base of transistor Q17 is connected through capacitor C2 and resistor R31 with wire 102 and also through resistor R34 with the collector of transistor Q18. The base of transistor Q17 is also connected with one end of each of resistors R41 and R42, the other ends of which are connected with the positive sides of diodes D15 and D16. The collector of transistor 018 is also connected through a resistor R35 with wire 102 and through resistor R36 and diode D12 with the base of transistor Q19. Finally, the collector of transistor Q19 is connected by resistor R37 with wire 102.

With reference to transistors O17, Q18, and Q19, whenever Q18 goes to conductive, Q17 and 019 go to nonconductive, and vice versa.

In operation, if the organ is playing under normal conditions, lamp L1 is the only one of lamps L1, L2, L3, and L4 which is energized and, therefore lighted, whereby only photocell 64a between tabs 14 and preamplifier 16, photocell 70a between tabs 32 and preamplifier 24, photocell 71a between tabs 14a and preamplifier 24, and photocell 8011 between tabs 52 and preamplifier 54 are illuminated and conductive. Lamp L1 is energized when transistor O1 is conductive.

' FIG. SE, in addition to showing the schedule of illumination of lamps L1, L2, L3 and L4, also shows the schedule of illumination' of lamps L5, L6, and L7. FIG. SP is the schedule of transistor operation and shows, at the left, the several pushbuttons S1, S2, S3, and-S4 and in columns to the right, the condition of each transistor of FIG. 6 after the pertaining pushbutton is depressed. In FIG. 5F, a cross (X) indicates a conductive transistor whereas a dash indicates a nonconductive transistor. The lamps which are under the control of the several transistors are noted along the bottom of FIG. 5F beneath the column pertaining to the respective transistor.

. When only lamp L1 is energized, Q5 is conducting, O6 is nonconducting, Q17 is conducting, and Q18 is nonconducting. With Q6 nonconducting this will hold transistors 08 and Q14 conductive thus preventing lamps L5 and L7 from being illuminated. Also with transistor Q18 otf, transistors Q12 and Q15 are conductive and this prevents lamp L6 from being illuminated.

It will be apparent that the pushbuttons S1 to S4 are actuated merely by momentarily depressing a particular one thereof and then releasing it. If more than one pushbutton is depressed no harm will result and the last to be released will make its circuit effective.

Assuming now that pushbutton S1 is depressed and then released, a current will flow through D17 and R43 turning Q6 on and, at the same time turning off Q5. Furthermore, a current will flow through diode D16 and resistor R42 and insure that transistor Q17 is conductive.

When transistor Q6 commences to conduct, transistor Q7 goes nonconductive thereby causing a current to pass through D1 and R5 to the base of Q2 and make Q2 conductive. When Q2 becomes conductive lamp L2 lights and simultaneously transistor Q1 goes nonconductive and lamp L1 goes dark.

When Q7 becomes nonconductive, it causes a current to flow through diode D2 and resistor R8 to transistor Q3 whereupon transistor Q3 becomes conductive and illuminates lamp L3. Still further, when Q6 becomes conductive, the connection of the base of Q8 through resistor R19 and diode D6 with the collector of Q6 causes O8 to become nonconductive. O9 is at this time also nonconductive due to the connection of the base thereof with the collector of Q17 so that with both Q8 and Q9 nonconductive, Q10 becomes conductive and lamp L5 pertaining to pushbutton S1 becomes illuminated.

At this time the lamps L1, L2, L3, and L4 are in the condition shown in the second column of FIG. 5E, namely, with lamps L1 and L4 dark and lamps L2 and L3 illuminated.

The conductive ones of the several photocells of FIGS. 5A to 5B are now those shown in FIGS. 5B and 5C, namely, 64b, 70b, 71b, 80b, 62b, 76a, and 76b.

Reference to FIG. 4 will show that the circuits leading from tabswitches 14, 14a, 32, and 52 are all killed by their connection to ground via a now illuminated photocell with the simultaneous darkening of the photocells which connect the tab switches with their respective preamplifiers.

At the same timeythe output of combining circuit 61 is connected to its pertaining preamplifier 16 and the output of combining circuit 73 is connected to its pertaining preamplifier 54. Inasmuch as combining circuit 61 takes voices from both of the upper and lower manuals, a predetermined set of voices for each of these manuals is now effective and all of the voices set by the conventional tabs are eliminated, or, killed."

Similarly, the voices for the pedal clavier set by the tabs are killed" and a predetermined set of the voices from combining circuit 73 is made effective.

Assuming now that pushbutton S2 is depressed, transistor Q5 will be again turned on which will result in Q6 going to nonconduction and Q7 going to conduction. Closing of pushbutton S2, through diode D14 and resistor R40, also turns on transistor 018 which means that both Q17 and Q19 go to nonconduction. With transistor Q19 nonconductive, the signal conveyed by wire 108 through diodes D3 and D4 will cause transistors Q2 and O4 to become conductive while the fact that O7 is now conductive will cause O3 to go to nonconduction. Thus lamps L1 and L3 are dark and lamps L2 and L4 are illuminated.

This change in the illumination of the lamps continues the illumination of the killing photocells under the control of lamp L2 while lamp L4 illuminates photocells 68a, 68b, 78a, and 78b. The first two mentioned photocells are connected between combining circuit 67 and the input side of preamplifier 24 whereas the second mentioned photocells are connected between combining circuit 75 and the input side of preamplifier 54. A new set of voices is thus provided for each of the two manuals and the pedal clavier.

If now, pushbutton S3 is depressed, transistor Q6 is again turned on which will cause transistors 05 and O7 to go to nonconduction whereby a signal is supplied via diodes D1 and D2 to the bases of transistors Q2 and Q3 so that they are in a conductive condition. Simultaneously, transistor Q18 is kept on by the signal from pushbutton S3 via diode D13 and resistor R39. The signal thus continues on wire 108 through diode D4 to the base of transistor Q4. Transistors Q2, Q3, and Q4 are now all conductive so that all of the photocells in housings H2, H3, and H4 are illuminated and all of the preset circuits are active.

If pushbutton S4 is now depressed, the signal on wire 116 through diode D19 and resistor R45 will make transistors Q5 and Q7 conductive while transistor Q6 will go to nonconduction. The signal from transistor Q6 through diodes D1 and D2 to the bases of transistors Q2 and Q3 is now interrupted. Simultaneously, the signal on wire 116 through diode D15 and resistor R41 makes transistors Q17 and Q19 go to conduction while transistor Q18 goes to nonconduction. Lamp L1 is now the only lamp illuminated so that only the photocells arranged in series with the tab switches are now conductive and all of the preset circuits are killed.

It will be apparent that the number of pushbuttons could be increased and the number of preset circuits could also be increased.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that the transistors Q5 and Q6 form a first bistable multivibrator with a single output which alternates between signal condition and no signal condition as the multivibrator changes state. Also, transistors Q17 and Q18 form a second bistable multivibrator having an output that goes from signal condition to no signal condition as the multivibrator changes state. Transistors Q18 and Q19 are bufier amplifiers. The pushbuttons control the change of state of the multivibrators so that neither supplies a signal, or so that one or the other or both thereof supply a signal thus giving four circuit conditions each which can readily be arrived at by depressing the pertaining pushbutton or piston.

Since, in the normal condition of operation, transistors 05 and Q17 are conductive, the circuit is arranged so that if the organ is turned off and is then turned back on, all of the presets are automatically cancelled out and the organ is in normal playing condition regardless of the setting of the presets at the time the organ was turned off.

This is done by resistor R12 and capacitor C1 pertaining to Q and resistor R31 and capacitor C2 pertaining to Q17 which cause Q5 and Q17 to go to conduction when power is first supplied to the circuit by turning the organ on.

As power is applied and the voltage across C3 rises, capacitor Cl will allow a current to flow through resistor R12 to the base of Q5 thereby holding it on as the collector supply voltage rises. After a short period of time C1 is charged thus effectively disconnecting resistor R12 but transistor Q5 remains conductive.

The same sort of action is obtained with respect to transistor Q17 due to capacitor C2 and resistor R31. Thus, the initial application of power to the circuit will set both of the multivibrators to the proper state for normal organ operation.

FIG. 2 shows a voicing circuit 120 connected to a respective tab switch 14c via a resistor RC with a wire 92c connected to the resistor to take a signal therefrom. This view also shows a voicing circuit 12d connected to a respective tab switch 14d via a resistor RD with a wire 92d connected to the resistor to take a signal therefrom. Resistors RDI and RC] prevent interaction between the voicing circuits shown. The components 12 and M of FIG. 1 are made up ofa plurality of voicing circuits like 120 and 12d with their respective tab switches 14c and 14d. This arrangement is typical of each of the upper and lower manuals and the pedal clavier.

The inputs I (FIG. 3) for the several combining circuits 61, 67, 73 and 75 are made up of wires such as are shown at 92c and 92d in FIG. 2. Each combining circuit has several input wires each ofwhich leads to a respective voicing circuit.

A typical combining circuit is schematically shown in FIG. 3, which illustrates the circuit component identified at 61 in FIG. 1. In FIG. 3, the several input wires I lead through respective resistors RI and capacitors CI to a wire 101. The resistors and capacitors, together with the lower input impedance of the grounded base amplifier, effectively isolate the input wires from each other. Wire 101 leads to one end of a resistor 103 which has its other end grounded. Wire 101 is also connected to the emitter of a transistor T1 which has its collector connected by serially arranged resistors 105 and 107 with a plus voltage source 109. The juncture of resistors 105 and 107 is connected to ground via a capacitor 111 and also via serially arranged resistors 113 and 115. The juncture of resistors 113 and'115 is connected to the base of transistor T1 and also to ground via a further capacitor 117;

The signal is taken from the collector of transistor T1 via capacitor 119 and resistor 121 connected in series. The capacitor end of resistor 121 is connected to ground via a resistor 123. The end of resistor 121 opposite the capacitor end forms the output terminal for the amplified output of the respective combining circuit.

FIG. 7 shows a typical pushbutton or piston S1 with its lamp L5 and the switch which effects the connection of wire 112 to wire 120 when the pushbutton, or piston, is depressed.

From the foregoing it will be appreciated that the invention relates to a control circuit in which a pair of bistable multivibrators are provided each having output terminal means at which can be developed four different combinations of signals. Four pushbuttons are thus provided for controlling the bistable multivibrators to provide for the four different output signal combinations. The output signals are employed for actuating devices sensitive to the said signals. It will be seen that a greater number of signal actuated devices could be controlled by increasing the number of bistable multivibrators. In such cases the number of possible combinations of output signals from the multivibrators would be equal to 2" where n equals the number of multivibrators. There would, of course, be as many pushbuttons as there were possible combinations of output signals from the multivibrators. By connecting the output terminals of the multivibrators to the signal actuated devices by a first diode matrix and by connecting the pushbuttons to the multivibrators input terminals by a second diode matrix, all possible conditions of actuation of the multivibrators can be achieved as well as all possible conditions of actuation of the signal actuated devices.

It will be understood that this invention is susceptible to modification in order to adapt it to different usages and conditions and, accordingly, it is desired to comprehend such modifications within this invention as may fall within the scope of the appended claims.

We claim:

1. In an electronic organ having speaker means, amplifier means supplying said speaker means, and first and second sources of signals for supplying said amplifier means, first and second light sensitive means interposed between said first and second sources respectively and said amplifier means, first and second lamp means for illuminating said first and second light sensitive means respectively, a source of energy to energize said lamps, and means for selectively connecting said source to one or the other of said first and second lamp means whereby at least one lamp means is energized at all times, said light sensitive means having low impedance when illuminated and high impedance when dark, at least said second source of signals comprising a plurality of voicing circuits in parallel, said second source 'of signals comprising combining circuit means having input terminals connected to the output sides of at least selected ones of said voicing circuits and having output terminal means connected to the pertaining said light sensitive means and operable to isolate the output sides of said selected ones of said voicing circuits from each other while passing the signals therefrom to the said output terminal means.

2. An electronic organ according to claim 1 in which said first source of signals comprises a selector switch connecting the output side of at least some of said voicing circuits with the respective said light sensitive means, each selector switch when closed permitting signals to pass therethrough to the respective said light sensitive means and when open interrupting the said signals.

3. An electronic organ according to claim 1 in which said electronic organ has solo and accompaniment manuals and a pedal clavier and said first source comprises a group of voicing circuits for each of said solo and accompaniment manuals and said pedal clavier, a selector switch for each voicing circuit connected on one side to the respective voicing circuit and on the other side connected together in groups, a said first light sensitive means for each group of selector switches interposed between said other side thereof and said amplifier means, said combining circuit means of said source comprising at least first, second, and third combining circuits each having a plurality of input terminals and an output terminal, the input terminals of first and second combining circuits being connected to the output sides of predetermined respectively different combinations of the voicing circuits pertaining to said solo and accompaniment groups of voicing circuits, the input terminals of said third combining circuit being connected to the output sides of predetermined ones of the voicing circuits pertaining to said pedal clavier, and a respective said second light sensitive means connecting the output terminal of each said combining circuit to said amplifier means.

4. An electronic organ according to claim 3 in which said combining circuit means comprises a fourth combining circuit having input terminals connected to the output sides of a group of voicing circuits pertaining to said pedal clavier which is different from the group of voicing circuits connected to the input terminals of said third combining circuit, and a respective second light sensitive means connecting the output terminal ofsaid fourth combining circuit to said amplifier means. 5. An electronic organ according to claim 4 which includes a plurality oflight excluding enclosures, one of said enclosures containing all of said first light sensitive means and said first lamp means, each other said enclosure containing the said second light sensitive means pertaining to one of said first and second combining circuits and one of said third and fourth combining circuits and a respective said second lamp means.

6. An electronic organ according to claim 5 in which a third light sensitive means is provided connected between each said first source and ground, a third lamp means for illuminating said third light sensitive means, and a further said enclosure in means are contained.

lamp means are contained.

7. An electronic. organa'ccording to claim which includes' controlmeans connectedto said lamp means to control the i1- l umination thereof andhav'ing a first condition of actuation I wherein only said first lamp means is energized and all of the othersof said lamp means are 'deenergized, said control means having a plurality of se'cond conditions of actuation ineach-of which said first lamp means is deenergized and said third lamp meansis energized and in respective, ones of said secondconditions of actuation of said control means respective ones of. said second lamp are energized.

means and both of said second'lamp means 18. An electronic organ accordingto claim 5iwhich includes 9! An 'electronicorgan according to claim 3' which includes va pluralityof light excluding enclosures, one of said enclosures containing all of said first light sensitive means and said first -lamp means, and another of said enclosures containing the said second light sensitive means pertaining to one of said first 1 "which as ma i light amaaia ass I and said thirdlamp eludes means for energizing said first and "secondlan'ip means singly and selectively. I 12; An electronic organ according to claim! in which the means for selectively energizingjsaid first and second lamp means comprisesia control circuit adapted to be energized I simultaneously with said-organ andjoperativelyassociated with said lamp means, said control circuitincluding control switches'operable for effecting selective control .of the energization of said lamp means. v 13. An electronic organ according to claim 12 in which energization of said control circuit means following deenergization thereof is operable for effecting energization of said first lamp means and simultaneous deenergization of said second lam'pmeans. w g

14. An electronic organ according to claim 3 in which said means for selectively energizing said first and second lamp means comprises control circuit means adapted to be energized simultaneously with said organ and including control switches,- said control circuit means being operable upon actuation thereof to effect energization'of said first lamp means while simultaneously effecting deenergization of said second lamp means and vice versa.

and second combining'circuits, said third combining circuit and a respective said second lamp means.

i 10.'An' electronicorgan according to claim.9 in which a I yizth ird light sensitive means is provided connected between eachsaidfirst source andground, a third lamp means for illuminating said third light sensitive means, and a further said enclosure-inwhich said third light sensitive means and said third 11. An electronic organ according to claim 10 which in- 15. An electronic organ according to claim 14 in which said control switch means includes a first switch operablewhen actuated to efiect energization of said first lamp means and deenergization of said second lamp means and other control' energized. 

1. In an electronic organ having speaker means, amplifier means supplying said speaker means, and first and second sources Of signals for supplying said amplifier means, first and second light sensitive means interposed between said first and second sources respectively and said amplifier means, first and second lamp means for illuminating said first and second light sensitive means respectively, a source of energy to energize said lamps, and means for selectively connecting said source to one or the other of said first and second lamp means whereby at least one lamp means is energized at all times, said light sensitive means having low impedance when illuminated and high impedance when dark, at least said second source of signals comprising a plurality of voicing circuits in parallel, said second source of signals comprising combining circuit means having input terminals connected to the output sides of at least selected ones of said voicing circuits and having output terminal means connected to the pertaining said light sensitive means and operable to isolate the output sides of said selected ones of said voicing circuits from each other while passing the signals therefrom to the said output terminal means.
 2. An electronic organ according to claim 1 in which said first source of signals comprises a selector switch connecting the output side of at least some of said voicing circuits with the respective said light sensitive means, each selector switch when closed permitting signals to pass therethrough to the respective said light sensitive means and when open interrupting the said signals.
 3. An electronic organ according to claim 1 in which said electronic organ has solo and accompaniment manuals and a pedal clavier and said first source comprises a group of voicing circuits for each of said solo and accompaniment manuals and said pedal clavier, a selector switch for each voicing circuit connected on one side to the respective voicing circuit and on the other side connected together in groups, a said first light sensitive means for each group of selector switches interposed between said other side thereof and said amplifier means, said combining circuit means of said source comprising at least first, second, and third combining circuits each having a plurality of input terminals and an output terminal, the input terminals of first and second combining circuits being connected to the output sides of predetermined respectively different combinations of the voicing circuits pertaining to said solo and accompaniment groups of voicing circuits, the input terminals of said third combining circuit being connected to the output sides of predetermined ones of the voicing circuits pertaining to said pedal clavier, and a respective said second light sensitive means connecting the output terminal of each said combining circuit to said amplifier means.
 4. An electronic organ according to claim 3 in which said combining circuit means comprises a fourth combining circuit having input terminals connected to the output sides of a group of voicing circuits pertaining to said pedal clavier which is different from the group of voicing circuits connected to the input terminals of said third combining circuit, and a respective second light sensitive means connecting the output terminal of said fourth combining circuit to said amplifier means.
 5. An electronic organ according to claim 4 which includes a plurality of light excluding enclosures, one of said enclosures containing all of said first light sensitive means and said first lamp means, each other said enclosure containing the said second light sensitive means pertaining to one of said first and second combining circuits and one of said third and fourth combining circuits and a respective said second lamp means.
 6. An electronic organ according to claim 5 in which a third light sensitive means is provided connected between each said first source and ground, a third lamp means for illuminating said third light sensitive means, and a further said enclosure in which said third light sensitive means and said third lamp means are contained.
 7. An electronic organ according to claim 6 which includes control means connected to said lamp means to control the illumination thereof and having a first condition of actuation wherein only said first lamp means is energized and all of the others of said lamp means are deenergized, said control means having a plurality of second conditions of actuation in each of which said first lamp means is deenergized and said third lamp means is energized and in respective ones of said second conditions of actuation of said control means respective ones of said second lamp means and both of said second lamp means are energized.
 8. An electronic organ according to claim 5 which includes control means connected to said lamp means to control the illumination thereof and having a first condition of actuation wherein only said first lamp means is energized and all of said second lamp means are deenergized, said control means having respective second conditions of actuation in each of which said first lamp means is deenergized and one or more of said second lamp means is energized.
 9. An electronic organ according to claim 3 which includes a plurality of light excluding enclosures, one of said enclosures containing all of said first light sensitive means and said first lamp means, and another of said enclosures containing the said second light sensitive means pertaining to one of said first and second combining circuits, said third combining circuit and a respective said second lamp means.
 10. An electronic organ according to claim 9 in which a third light sensitive means is provided connected between each said first source and ground, a third lamp means for illuminating said third light sensitive means, and a further said enclosure in which said third light sensitive means and said third lamp means are contained.
 11. An electronic organ according to claim 10 which includes means for energizing said first and second lamp means singly and selectively.
 12. An electronic organ according to claim 1 in which the means for selectively energizing said first and second lamp means comprises a control circuit adapted to be energized simultaneously with said organ and operatively associated with said lamp means, said control circuit including control switches operable for effecting selective control of the energization of said lamp means.
 13. An electronic organ according to claim 12 in which energization of said control circuit means following deenergization thereof is operable for effecting energization of said first lamp means and simultaneous deenergization of said second lamp means.
 14. An electronic organ according to claim 3 in which said means for selectively energizing said first and second lamp means comprises control circuit means adapted to be energized simultaneously with said organ and including control switches, said control circuit means being operable upon actuation thereof to effect energization of said first lamp means while simultaneously effecting deenergization of said second lamp means and vice versa.
 15. An electronic organ according to claim 14 in which said control switch means includes a first switch operable when actuated to effect energization of said first lamp means and deenergization of said second lamp means and other control switches operable when actuated to energize one or more of said second lamp means while simultaneously deenergizing said first lamp means.
 16. An electronic organ according to claim 15 in which said control circuit in response to energization thereof following deenergization thereof causes said first lamp means to be energized. 